Six Months Old: Halfway Through Our Weekly Baby Photo Project
Today Clara turns six months old, which means we’ve officially reached the halfway point in our weekly baby photo project. What started as a simple idea—taking a framed weekly portrait of our daughter against a fabric backdrop and a plain white onesie—has turned into a joyful routine that marks every tiny change in her expressions and personality.
At the three-month mark we posted a how-to that walked through our setup and approach for these weekly shots. Since then we’ve kept going, and now we have another three months of images to show for it. The result is a growing collection of portraits that document subtle milestones and big moments alike—everything from sleepy yawns to playful grins.
We’ve taken 26 weekly portraits so far, and the ritual has become a highlight of our week. Friday afternoons are set aside for the camera, the backdrop, and whatever expression Clara decides to give us. Initially we worried that weekly photos might feel like overkill or become a chore, but instead they’ve turned into a creative, playful time that helps us notice the small changes in her face and behavior that we’d otherwise forget.
Each week brings something new. One portrait might capture a big yawn as she drifts toward a nap; another might show her with a mischievous half-smile that looks like she’s twirling an invisible mustache. We even dressed her up for Halloween and got an adorable ballerina moment—complete with a pointed toe and a proud little pose.
One of the most rewarding outcomes of this project has been how easy it will be to create meaningful, affordable gifts for family members. We’re planning a small photo album of the first half-year to give to the grandparents for the holidays. It’s a simple present, but collecting those weekly moments into a physical book makes them feel permanent and special. When we reach a full year, we’ll compile a more polished hardbound edition through an online photo service so everyone can have a keepsake copy.
Because we’ve enjoyed this tradition so much, we’re also considering continuing regular photo updates beyond Clara’s first birthday. If we do, we’ll likely scale back to monthly portraits to capture her growth without overwhelming our schedule or fabric stash. Speaking of fabric, one fun creative challenge has been choosing a different backdrop each week—those swatches add texture and color to the portraits, and after the project concludes we plan to repurpose the collection into DIY projects. A quilt made from the most vibrant swatches, framed textile art, or a decorative fabric bunting are all possibilities that will let us turn the materials that framed her infancy into lasting household pieces.
This weekly portrait practice has done more than produce cute images; it’s helped us stay present and celebrate small, fleeting moments. Babies change so quickly, and having a weekly visual diary makes it easier to remember exactly how she looked and acted as she grew. Half a year in, we can hardly believe how fast she’s becoming her own little person. We’re excited to keep photographing her, collecting memories, and finding creative ways to share and preserve these early milestones.